India's best chance of beating England: Ganguly

New Delhi, 2014/Jul/04 00:40:00

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The last time India toured England for a Test series, they came back with their tails between their legs having received a 4-0 hammering at the hands of their hosts. Back then, India were placed No. 1 in the world, were on the back of a World Cup and West Indies series win, had the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman to look up to and, arguably, had an attack more potent than the present one. But now, the Indian side is bereft of those big names who graced the game for ages, in their place are a bunch of teeming youngsters ready to take on the best. The only question is, whether they can handle expectations much better than their seniors did? Expectations, and the swinging ball, of course. Former India captain, Sourav Ganguly is confident that they can, terming the upcoming 5-match Test series between the former World No. 1s, India's best chance to beat England in England.

Ganguly, in an interview to the Times News Network, said although the teams look evenly-matched, India have a big chance of emerging victorious in the series.

"The teams look evenly matched on paper and I expect the series to be anything but one-sided this time. This is India's best chance of beating England in England in a Test series which we haven't done since 2007. England are clearly no longer the side they were in 2011. They have lost key players like Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann, Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott. After the unexpected retirement of off-spinner Swann last year, England are yet to find a quality spinner. That is surely an area of concern for skipper Alastair Cook. It could have a huge bearing on the upcoming series," said Ganguly.

When pointed out that there was a definitive lack of experience in the Indian side, the legendary left-hander opined that the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shikhar Dhawan have it in them to come good in England. He added that the presence of a better spin attack also tilts things in the visitors' favour.

"India have a string of good young batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shikhar Dhawan, who have done well in Test cricket. India may be a bit short on experience, but this could a big series for our youngsters to announce their arrival on the big stage. These kids have played recently in New Zealand, where the conditions are similar to those in England, and also in South Africa where pitches have more bounce and carry. They are quality players and I expect them to come good.

"In bowling, too, India have good balance as we have a better spin attack than England. It's a matter of making small adjustments which, I am sure, will be made," Ganguly summed up.